CM-P399

2 credit(s)

Course Chair: Arnold Friedman

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring

Required of: None

Electable by: All

Prerequisites: CM-357

Department Code: COMP

This course will give interested students, particularly Composition majors, the opportunity to pursue individual interests in electro-acoustic composition, and further their skills and creative abilities with electronic music. The primary focus is on creating original electronic works that would be suitable for inclusion in a Composition Major portfolio, and provide tools for the student's further exploration and development. Students will acquire skills in timbral exploration, sound design, acousmatics, and the ability to conduct independent research and composition projects.

The course assumes basic beat pattern knowledge and covers three areas: (1) symphonic conducting with an instrumental soloist (concerto), (2) symphonic conducting with a vocal soloist (operatic aria), and (3) symphonic conducting of a major modern work involving complete meter changes. Works used include a romantic piano or violin concerto, an operatic excerpt, and a piece such as Petrouchka, The Rite of Spring, or Symphonies of Wind Instruments.

COND-216

1 credit(s)

Course Chair: Arnold Friedman

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring

Required of: None

Electable by: All

Prerequisites: ET-211 or ET-231

Department Code: COMP

This course emphasizes in-depth score study and elements involved with the formulation of musical ideas, the role of the conductor, and the proper kind of relationship between the conductor and the orchestra. Students gain valuable experience rehearsing and conducting an ensemble. The course utilizes eight keyboards, allowing the formation of an in-class live keyboard ensemble creating a virtual orchestral sound. Each of eight performers play their own individual lines from the score while one person conducts and rehearses the ensemble. Each conductor will be videotaped while in front of the ensemble for further study.

COND-217

1 credit(s)

Course Chair: Arnold Friedman

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring

Required of: None

Electable by: All

Prerequisites: COND-211 or COND-216

Department Code: COMP

A conducting class class where students conduct other students playing MIDI keyboards that create the sounds of the instruments of an orchestral ensemble. Each student learns all aspects of score preparation and rehearsal techniques. All sessions are recorded for home study.

COND-351

2 credit(s)

Course Chair: Arnold Friedman

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Required of: None

Electable by: All

Prerequisites: COND-212 or COND-217

Department Code: COMP

A practical course for conductors and music directors in preparation, organization, rehearsal, and recording under studio conditions. Emphasis on establishing fluency in conducting and rehearsal techniques to maximize efficiency in the session.

COND-355

2 credit(s)

Course Chair: Arnold Friedman

Semesters Offered: Fall Only

Required of: None

Electable by: All

Prerequisites: COND-212 or COND-217

Department Code: COMP

This course is designed to give students practical experience in conducting rehearsals of small instrumental groups. Students will expand their conducting technique and deepen their score-preparation skills in class meetings with their colleagues playing MIDI keyboards in preparation for sessions with small ensembles (e.g., brass quintet, flute choir, string quartet, wind quintet); at these sessions themselves, the students will meet the challenges of analog instrumental groups—balance, intonation, rehearsal skills, and conductor-performer relations.

COND-498

Prerequisites: COND-212 or COND-217 and written approval of instructor and course chair

Department Code: COMP

Supervised preparation and performance of an approved conducting project. Projects may originate with recitalists or from various departments such as Film Scoring, Contemporary Writing and Production, and Music Production and Engineering. The student will conduct at least one project from the following categories: studio recording, recital or live concert requiring a conductor, or preparing and conducting a work with an ensemble.